Summer Strawberry Lemonade

So the kids have gone back to school this week and it officially feels like Autumn has arrived. There is a definite chill in the air in the morning and it's noticeable darker earlier in the evening. There are orange leaves on the ground and on Sunday the kids found their first conkers in the park. I have to say I love this time of year although that said I am not losing all hope of a few more warm days to come! Last weekend we had some lovely sunshine: the paddling pool came back out and my daughter asked if we could make lemonade. She designed her own labels for the bottle and we set to work. This recipe is super simple and quick to make and easy to change up the fruit to suit whatever you have to hand. Raspberries or blackberries would work very well as would mixing in some watermelon with the strawberries.

Feel free to up the sweetness by increasing the syrup amount or substitute sugar for a more traditional taste (ensure sugar is well dissolved with the lemon juice). This also makes a delicious mixer for a cocktail with a splash of vodka and fresh mint.

Ingredients

6 lemons, juiced

125ml maple or agave syrup

250g strawberries, hulled

750ml still or sparkling water

Ice and fresh mint to serve

Method

Combine the juice and syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil then remove from the heat and leave to cool completely.

Add the strawberries to a blender and blitz until smooth.

Place the ice in a large jug, add the strawberries and lemon/syrup mixture. Stir well then top up with water.